AICC December 2024 Featured Artist Ilaria Merola

Introduction

Welcome to AI/CC :: Artificial Intelligence Creative Community December 2024 Artist Feature. At AI/CC, we bring together art and technology globally, inspiring the future of creative expression. We are passionate about fostering a space where artists can explore the boundless possibilities of AI-driven innovation and push the limits of their craft.

Our mission is to highlight the groundbreaking synergy between art and technology, celebrating creators who embrace these tools to transform their industries. AI/CC thrives as a vibrant community that encourages bold experimentation, redefines artistic conventions, and envisions new creative horizons.

This December 2024, we are delighted to feature our AI/CC Artist of the Month, Ilaria Merola from Rome, Italy. A pioneer in the world of generative AI, Ilaria is a multi-talented creator whose work merges cutting-edge technology with innovative design, setting a transformative standard in the global creative landscape.

About Ilaria

Meet Ilaria Merola , a visionary at the forefront of generative AI and design innovation, whose work exemplifies the transformative power of technology in creative fields. With over 15 years of experience as a Creative and Experience Designer, Ilaria has seamlessly blended artistry and AI to redefine the boundaries of design. As the co-founder of Futura-AI Academy , she champions the ethical integration of AI, spearheading educational initiatives that empower creators to harness this technology’s potential.

Her groundbreaking contributions include the creation of Sirio, a revolutionary design system for INPS, Europe’s leading welfare institution, impacting over 45 million users with more than 500 services. Recognized with prestigious accolades such as the IF Design Award (2023) and an Honorable Mention at the Compasso d’Oro (2024), Ilaria’s work inspires a new era of creativity where innovation and purpose converge.

Let’s dive into her creative world and explore the brilliance that makes her a true pioneer in the fusion of art and technology.

Can you tell us about you and your journey as an artist? How did you begin working with AI?

I am Ilaria Merola (b.1983), an Italian artist and creative director specializing in generative AI and digital aesthetics. Based in Rome, my work blends technology, nature, and the female figure to explore themes of transformation and empowerment. With over 15 years of experience in digital design and more than 2 years working with artificial intelligence, I have collaborated with multinational companies, creative agencies, and design studios, earning international design awards along the way.

My journey as an artist has always been driven by a deep love for aesthetics and visual composition, influenced by classical art, photography, and cinema. However, it was with the discovery of artificial intelligence that I found true creative freedom. AI allowed me to transcend traditional boundaries, offering a space to explore visionary and innovative ideas. This revelation culminated in the creation of my project Neural Metamorphosis, which merges AI-generated imagery with pop culture, fashion photography, and futurism. The female form is central to my work, serving as a symbol of empowerment, transformation, and harmony between humanity and technology.

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What drew you to the intersection of technology and art?

Technology and art share a symbiotic relationship, where one amplifies the other. I have always been fascinated by how technological innovations can expand the boundaries of creativity, much like photography or cinema did in the past. For me, AI represents a new language, an extension of my artistic intuition that allows me to explore visionary and innovative ideas with precision and depth.

Who are your major artistic influences, both traditional and digital?

My influences span across different realms, all tied by a common thread of innovation and experimentation. Surrealism is certainly one of my main sources of inspiration; I admire its ability to create strange, new worlds and to give form to unexpected, dreamlike visions. This approach aligns perfectly with generative AI, which I see as an ideal tool for bringing unique and deeply innovative creations to life.

Futurism and modern art have also greatly shaped my perspective on progress in art. I am fascinated by their embrace of change and dynamism, which constantly push me to explore new directions in my work. Alongside this, cinema—particularly science fiction—has always been a powerful influence on my imagination. Science fiction doesn’t just tell stories; it presents visions of plausible futures, often grounded in the scientific knowledge of the time. I love how it anticipates innovations like artificial intelligence and robotics, transforming visionary ideas into reality.

My background in digital design has also played a fundamental role. I have always been passionate about typography, minimalism, and the thoughtful use of colors and forms. These elements are central to my aesthetic and reflected in my visual approach, where I always strive to balance harmony and impact. Every influence, from the traditional to the contemporary, contributes to shaping the visual language I aim to express in my work.

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How has your cultural background or personal experiences shaped your work?

My Italian background and the environment in which I grew up have played a fundamental role in shaping my artistic development and vision. Living in Italy, surrounded by the extraordinary artistic and architectural diversity of different eras, taught me to recognize the complexity and harmony of visual composition. This experience, combined with my curiosity, led me to explore various fields, from art history to technological innovation, helping me understand the potential of creativity when it intersects with human ingenuity.

As a woman and artist, female empowerment is a central theme in my work, particularly in highly technological work environments such as development and programming, which are still predominantly male-dominated. Working in these contexts made me realize how crucial it is for women to position themselves and carve out space in sectors where their voices are underrepresented. This is why I founded Futura AI Academy, an academy that teaches generative artificial intelligence to creatives, where I chose to primarily collaborate with women. I believe it is essential, in this historical moment, to encourage and support other women in entering these fields, contributing to a broader cultural and social shift.

Through artificial intelligence, I explore femininity not only as an aesthetic but as a creative and innovative force. This exploration translates into works that often combine natural and technological elements, reflecting the transformative power of female imagination. My work aims to open a dialogue on how tradition, technology, and inclusivity can come together to imagine a better and more equitable future.

Can you describe a turning point in your career where AI became central to your art?

The turning point was when I first used generative AI tools and immediately recognized their immense creative potential. This realization led me to leave my company and pursue an independent path, integrating AI as a central part of my work.

This decision resulted in Neural Metamorphosis, a project that explores the fusion of generative AI neural networks and feminine aesthetics, merging natural and human elements. “Neural” refers to the neural networks of AI, symbolizing technology and innovation, while “Metamorphosis” represents transformation and harmony between human beauty and nature. The work integrates futuristic elements, a pop aesthetic, and fashion-inspired imagery, using bold colors, striking contrasts, and a contemporary style to enhance the expressive power of the project.

How do you integrate AI into your creative process from concept to completion?

AI is my creative ally, an extension of my intuition that allows me to explore ideas that might otherwise remain unexplored. Since this is a personal project, I draw inspiration from what happens around me and the themes I’m particularly passionate about. For example, while watching documentaries about the natural world, I’m fascinated by its incredible variety of forms and colors, especially species adapted to different ecosystems. Think about marine creatures: as familiar as they may seem, many of them look like actual aliens compared to us humans. From this inspiration, I develop ideas that integrate with my concept of Neural Metamorphosis, creating works that merge natural elements, like a shrimp, with pop and futuristic aesthetics.

This initial exploration brings me to work visually with tools like MidJourney. The creative process with this model is extraordinary: I often start with very clear ideas, but MidJourney surprises me with its interpretations of certain elements, providing new inputs. This exchange between human and model is fascinating because it often leads me down paths I wouldn’t have initially considered, broadening my creative perspective.

Another aspect I find incredibly stimulating is video production. Bringing ideas to life visually is perhaps the most exciting part of the entire creative journey. It’s like living a lucid dream, where the idea takes shape and becomes alive. The video editing process and music selection are also essential: I carefully choose music based on the mood evoked by the images, ensuring the final work resonates deeply.

What tools, techniques, or AI models do you use, and how do you select them?

I primarily use Midjourney , which I prefer for its aesthetics, especially in photography. It’s incredible to create images that look so realistic. I always start with stylistic or thematic research based on what I want to represent, and I appreciate Midjourney , because its advanced tools allow me to have precise control over the images. I work with parameters and adjustments to achieve the desired results, using techniques that let me refine the project according to my vision.

When I’m working on a film or narrative project, ChatGPT is an essential tool for developing the concept and structuring ideas effectively. It helps me create scripts or voice-overs, which I then generate with ElevenLabs to achieve high-quality narration.

For videos, I don’t rely on a single tool, as there has been significant technological progress and competition between video models in recent months. I prefer KLING AI for its ability to maintain a high level of detail in movement starting from an image, but I also use MiniMax Hailuo AI, which is excellent for representing moods and expressions. Additionally, Luma AI offers many features that allow for advanced video control. The choice of tool always depends on the type of project and the specific requirements.

Finally, I integrate everything with solid editing work, leveraging my expertise to refine the visual narrative. For music, I carefully choose tracks that perfectly match the project’s atmosphere because I believe sound design is crucial to bringing the work to life.

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How much control do you delegate to the AI versus your input?

AI is a tool, not a replacement for the creative process. My prompts and directions guide every phase of the work. I entrust AI with exploring technical possibilities, leaving a degree of creative freedom to introduce an element of chaos and surprise. However, my input remains dominant, especially in selecting the final outputs that align with the mood and style I envision. This balance between control and openness allows me to harness both my artistic vision and the potential of the tool.

Could you describe a typical day in your studio when working on an AI-driven project?

A typical day begins with research and organizing ideas. I use tools like digital whiteboards to visually structure concepts and outline a creative path. My process always starts with a stylistic choice, defined by the project brief. Next, I work on crafting and refining prompts, iterating until I achieve results that reflect my vision. This process is iterative, as I often explore multiple variations to find the output that best embodies the concept.

In parallel, I develop storyboards that guide not only the visual aspect but also the sound design. I integrate video and sound, dedicating time to music research to select tracks that perfectly match the tone and emotions I aim to evoke through the visuals. This structured approach helps maintain consistency and impact in the final project.

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How do you overcome creative blocks when working with AI?

To overcome creative blocks, I rely on the versatility of AI. Changing my approach, tweaking parameters in generative models, or exploring new visual styles often unlocks unexpected ideas. The ability of AI to generate infinite variations is a valuable resource that helps me quickly regain inspiration and resume the creative flow.

What key themes or ideas do you explore in your AI-generated art?

My work explores themes such as female empowerment, transformation, and the relationship between humans and technology. Projects like Neural Metamorphosis celebrate the imaginative power of women, portraying them as entities in symbiosis with nature and technology.

A significant example is the piece Unconventional Oyster, which invites us to break away from the standards imposed by a society that demands uniformity, perfection, and polished appearances, much like artificial pearls. In a world where cosmetic surgery reshapes reality, this piece celebrates authentic and unconventional beauty, challenging expectations and embracing imperfections.

With Chrysalis Balaclava, another part of the Neural Metamorphosis project, I was invited to participate in the Cluster Jewellery Fair in London. This work reflects on the fight for civil rights, the condition of women, the climate crisis, and global conflicts. Chrysalis Balaclava is a collection that merges wool, pearls, chains, and AI, transforming the balaclava into a symbol of resilience and urban metamorphosis. Each piece becomes wearable armor, a cry for freedom and feminine strength. It represents how cities and public spaces are being redefined as arenas of resistance and transformation.

I also explore more complex concepts through visual narratives such as films, where I often incorporate futuristic elements, as I am a big fan of science fiction. For instance, in the short film Plastic Gods, created for the Gen 48 Runway competition, I delved into the idea of plastic as an indestructible element. Set in a dystopian future, the film imagines a world where men have disappeared, and women, in their struggle to survive, use a technology that fuses flesh with plastic to make their bodies immortal. However, what seemed like salvation turns into an eternal prison: immortality leads to the loss of the unique qualities of the passage of time, trapping them in an endless cycle of stagnation. The film reflects on how technological innovation can create complex scenarios, questioning the meaning of change and the human condition.?

These projects represent my way of addressing profound and challenging themes, combining symbolism, aesthetics, and storytelling to provoke reflections on social, cultural, and human transformations.

Are there any societal, ethical, or philosophical questions that your work addresses?

Yes, absolutely, as is the case with any major technological discovery or progress. History teaches us that moments like these have always had a significant impact on humanity’s evolution. The same will happen with AI: it will transform the job market, eliminating some professions while creating new opportunities. The real challenge will be how governments manage this transition, implementing policies that benefit people. For instance, universal basic income is a topic of discussion—a step that could represent a positive breakthrough for society.

However, if this technology is exploited solely for the profit of a few, without proper regulation, it risks exacerbating inequalities and social tensions. Another critical issue is the immense energy consumption required to power these systems. Prioritizing sustainability is essential to ensure that AI can be used responsibly and made accessible for the collective good.

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How do you incorporate emotions or abstract concepts into your AI pieces?

The emotions in my works primarily emerge from the narrative aspect and the combination of visual elements. I integrate aesthetics and textures that evoke specific feelings, working on the harmony between natural and technological details. I don’t aim to represent abstract concepts but focus on crafting stories and images that provoke introspection and evoke tangible emotions in the audience. AI becomes a tool to translate these visions into works that are engaging and meaningful

How has the public and critics’ reception of your work evolved with the use of AI?

The reception of my work with AI from both the public and critics has been more positive than I expected, and it continues to surprise me every day. In recent months, I’ve seen a growing appreciation for my pieces: I was featured in two AI-focused magazines, Wow World AI magazine and Creativa AI magazine, and participated in two exhibitions, one in Rome and one in Milan. In December, I will also exhibit in London at the Cluster Contemporary Jewellery Fair as a guest in the AI section. Additionally, I was chosen by AICC as the artist of the month for December, a recognition that further highlights my artistic journey.

What is the most memorable reaction you’ve received to one of your AI-generated pieces?

I don’t think there’s a single reaction that stands out, but overall, these past few months have been incredible. Between exhibitions and publications, I’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback. What I find particularly inspiring is the support from other artists like me: there’s a strong sense of community and collaboration, with everyone working together to promote this new creative wave we’re experiencing. Being part of such a dynamic community, where we all contribute as pioneers to creating events and opportunities, is truly exciting and adds a deeper meaning to my work.

How do you engage with audiences who may be unfamiliar with AI art?

When engaging with an audience unfamiliar with generative art, I always strive to initiate a dialogue about the mindful and ethical use of AI, addressing common fears associated with this technology. It’s essential to show how AI can amplify creativity rather than replace traditional methods and to explain the importance of understanding its limitations and potential.

Drawing from my experience with Futura-AI Academy , I aim to convey a positive and practical perspective on AI, demonstrating how transformative it can be for creative work. I believe it’s crucial to help people see this technology as an ally, capable of enhancing ideas and messages in innovative ways.

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How do you see AI shaping the future of art and creativity?

Artificial intelligence is set to profoundly influence the evolution of visual arts, akin to the transformative impact of past technological innovations, but with an unprecedented pace of advancement. We are on the verge of extraordinary possibilities, where AI will facilitate an expansion of creative capacities at an unimaginable speed, introducing new paradigms for artistic expression.

The main challenge will be to conceptualize AI not as a replacement for traditional media but as an extension of them, endowed with its distinct language and potential. The art of the future will increasingly embody a synergy between human intuition and machine capabilities, giving rise to unique and deeply meaningful visual experiences.

Are there any specific advancements in AI you’re excited to explore in your future works?

In my future projects, I’d like to further explore open-source AI models, following the example of the Stable Diffusion community. I believe accessibility is essential to allow everyone to use these tools and express their ideas, overcoming the financial barriers posed by proprietary models, which often require high monthly costs. Democratizing the use of AI while ensuring performance comparable to paid tools is a priority to make this technology more inclusive and sustainable.

Another important aspect involves addressing the rights and sustainability of the open-source ecosystem, finding solutions that protect and support those who develop new tools, and fostering growth and innovation in the field.

Additionally, recent advancements in video models are achieving increasingly higher quality in both detail and movement. This opens up exciting new possibilities for telling visually complex and engaging stories, an area I’m particularly passionate about for its narrative and creative potential.

How do you stay informed about AI developments and integrate new tools into your creative process?

I stay informed through a combination of continuous research and active engagement with communities and professionals in the field. I closely monitor the release of new models and tools, keeping up with the social media pages of companies developing these technologies, and I experiment with them as soon as they become available to explore their practical potential. I am also part of the Luma AI Creators Program, which gives me early access to new features and tools, allowing me to test cutting-edge advancements before they are publicly released.

When a new tool or model excites me with its possibilities, I immediately integrate it into my projects and creations. As these models evolve and become more powerful, they enable increasingly effective ways to express artistic messages. Today, we’ve reached a remarkable level of quality in AI outputs, making it possible to produce works with a level of precision and visual impact that was unimaginable just a few years ago.

What advice would you give to emerging artists who want to start working with AI?

My advice is to embrace artificial intelligence as a creative tool, not as a competitor to traditional methods. Integrate AI into your processes, not as a replacement but in combination with the techniques you already know. This approach allows you to harness the true potential of these tools, which alone are insufficient without the expertise and experience that professionals gain through research and practice. Experiment freely to discover how AI can amplify your artistic vision, making your messages more powerful and impactful.

It is crucial to maintain an open and curious mindset: AI offers infinite possibilities, but it requires a clear artistic direction. Without a strong vision, the tool risks becoming just a generator of images or texts—beautiful but shallow. As AI progresses, the success of creative works will increasingly depend on the importance and clarity of the message you aim to communicate. Only a well-thought-out concept can transform technical potential into meaningful creations.

Don’t be afraid to explore, make mistakes, and innovate. The only limit is your imagination.

Explore Ilaria's AI-infused Creativity

Thank you, Ilaria Merola , for sharing your amazing work and knowledge with the AI/CC :: Artificial Intelligence Creative Community ! We surely are blessed to have you around.

Follow Ilaria Merola 's work and creative journey, you can find the related links below:

AICC Gallery Ilaria Merola

Instagram Neural Metamorphosis

LinkedIn Ilaria Merola